Lesbian History: Biden Staffer Karine Jean-Pierre Spills to LGBTQ&A

For the first time in U.S. history, all of the top communications roles in the incoming presidential administration will be filled by women -- two of whom are queer women of color. Karine Jean-Pierre has been announced as the principal deputy press secretary in the White House and Pili Tobar will be the deputy White House communications director.

Two of the people acting as the face and voice of our government are queer. It's incredibly exciting.

Last year, while serving as the Chief Public Affairs Officer at MoveOn, the progressive public policy advocacy group, and as a political analyst at NBC and MSNBC, Karine Jean-Pierre published her memoir, Moving Forward: A Story of Hope, Hard Work, and the Promise of America. In it, she proves there is space for everyone in politics, no matter what you might think of as the typical background or narrative for a politician.

If a queer female immigrant could find success in politics, she writes, then so can you.

To celebrate the release of her book, Jean-Pierre stopped by the LGBTQ&A podcast to discuss being a mom, how her queerness affected her career, and what she learned working for a variety of politicians, including President Obama.

Listen to the full interview on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher.

This podcast was originally taped in November 2019.

LGBTQ&A is The Advocate's weekly interview podcast hosted by Jeffrey Masters. Episodes come out every Tuesday. Past guests include Rep. Ritchie Torres, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Laverne Cox, and Roxane Gay.